Float switch



Oct. 13, 1936: A NI 2,057,586

FLOAT SWITCH Filed April 24, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 13, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

The invention relates to a signalling device and more especially a float switch for liquid fuel burning stoves.

The primary object of the invention is the 5 provision of a switch of this character, wherein the liquid fuel as contained within a reservoir for consumption in the stove, on becoming low in said reservoir, will close a signal circuit and thus avoid the burners from becoming extin- 10 guished or other inconvenience in the use of the stove.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character, wherein the same is of novel construction so that it can 15 be readily applied to and used in conjunction with the fuel supply of a liquid fuel burning stove and is automatic in the working thereof.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character which is ex- 20 tremely simple in construction, thoroughly reliable and eflicient in its operation and purpose, durable, compact, and inexpensive to manufacture and install.

With these and other objects in View, the

25 invention consists in the features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described in detail, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which disclose the preferred embodiment of the 30 invention, and pointed out in the claim hereunto appended.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a stove showing the device constructed in accordance with the 35 invention applied thereto.

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view thereof.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view through the battery holder of the device.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary side elevation partly 40 in section through the fuel reservoir.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevation of the connection between the float and the reservoir and the operating lever of the device, with the silencer in position to prevent the sounding of 45 the alarm.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views in the drawings.

Referring to the drawings in detail, A desig- 50 nates a vertical upright or post having the base B which may be supported upon a foundation, or otherwise. Adjustably carried by the post A is a liquid fuel feeding reservoir l having a removable cover II and this reservoir is formed 55 with a clamp l2 which adjustably embraces the post A for the mounting of said receptacle thereon.

Formed with the receptacle is a mouth piece l3 for a liquid fuel containing jar l4 removably fitted in a rack which is adjustably clamped, 6 at I6, to the post A at the required distance above the reservoir l0 and the liquid fuel contained within the jar I4 is delivered into the said reservoir H], as should be apparent.

Adapted to be located in the vicinity of the 10 post A is a burner stand I! having twin burners l8, these being supplied with liquid fuel through the branches IQ of a feed pipe 20 connected with the reservoir I0, the feed of fuel to ;aid burners l8 being controlled by a hand valve Carried by the post A is a dry cell battery box or holder 22 for accommodating a battery 23, this being arranged in a normally open electric circuit 24 including a bell signal or alarm 25, the latter being suitably supported by the box or holder 22. The circuit 24 is closed by a switch 26 included in said circuit and within the box or holder 22.

Located Within the reservoir I0 is a float 21 having the stem 28 working through the top H of said reservoir and adjustably connected, at 29, with a vertically swinging lever 30 which is actuated for the closing of the switch 26 when the liquid fuel within the reservoir I0 is at a 30 determined low level. The lever 30 is swingingly mounted upon a pivot 3| on one of the brackets 32 for the carrying of the box or holder 22. It will be apparent that by the adjustment 29 the action of the float for the closing of the 35 switch 26 by the lever 30 with respect to the level of the liquid fuel within the reservoir [0 can be altered so as to have the alarm sounded at the time of the liquid fuel within the reservoir reaching a particular level.

Mounted upon the reservoir I 0 is a silencer for the alarm which comprises a pivoted lever 33, its end 34 working in the path of the lever 30; so that when the said lever 33 is thrown in one position it will lift the lever 30, whereby the} switch 26 will open so that the alarm will be silenced on the closing of said switch. The pivot ,13l for the lever 30 is vertically adjustable in the bracket 32 in any suitable manner and shiftable in a slot in saidbracket for the adjusting medium.

In the operation of the device, it will be apparent that when the silencer, including the} lever 33, is thrown to the dotted line position. in Figure 4 of the drawings and the float 21 has become lowered in conformity with the low level of fuel within the reservoir ID, the lever 30 will swing to close the switch 26 and thus the alarm 25 will be sounded, thereby indicating the condition of the fuel within the reservoir.

What is claimed is:

A float operated switch including a float stem, a, switch operating lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends and adjustably secured at; one end on the stem, the adjustably connected end of the lever being lowered by the stem to correspondingly raise the free end of the lever, a switch in the path of the free end of the lever adapted to be closed when the free end of thei lever is raised and adapted to be opened when the free end is lowered, and means for manually raising the adjustably connected end of the lever and the float stem as a unit to lower the: free end of the switch operating lever to open the switch comprising an angular lever pivoted at its elbow laterally of the stern and having one end disposed underneath the adjustably connected end of the switch operating lever, rocking of the angular lever on its pivot in one direction moving the free end of the lever upwardly into engagement with the adjustably connected end of the switch operating lever to raise the latter whereby to open the switch. 

